Facts

Formerly known as Future Ghosts, the Greensboro band was forced to change its moniker after learning that it was trademarked by a Chicago group. Though Unifier's lead singer, Aslan Freeman, describes "Bitter? Better." as a hometown anthem about being on the road, its title seems fitting given that the band came out of the difficult experience with a new name and well-received new album.

Unifier performs on Tuesday at The Whiskey.

"The experience was eye-opening in a lot of ways, especially in relation to the way the social networking sites handled the case," Freeman said. "The only true scar we've been left with is not immediately regaining all our ‘likes' on our Facebook page. As silly as it ultimately is, a lot of members of the music business and community place a bit too much weight on that number."

In addition to having to start new Bandcamp and ReverbNation pages, Unifier, which plays a mix of melodic and progressive hard rock, has struggled some in terms of booking since having to change its name. Still, the band feels fortunate to have been hit with a cease and desist order before they released "Colorado." A legal fight would have delayed the album's release, so the band chose the easier road, picked a new name and released "Colorado." Produced by Jesse Cannon (The Cure, Saves the Day), it calls to mind the music of such bands as The Foo Fighters and Jimmy Eat World.

The story of Unifier's name change spread to music sites, sparking good and bad comments and ending with positive and negative results. In some ways a do-over, or something akin to entering the witness protection and being given a new identity, Freeman said it was mostly a fresh start.

"After the initial shock," he added, saying it helped that "we had a new name, new video and, shortly after, a new album to use as a catalyst for the change."

Unifier grew out of Freeman and Chris Carr playing together briefly in another band and, later, co-creating instrumental music for a zombie film. A bit of an accidental singer, Freeman fronted a band in high school by default when another member didn't want to sing. Freeman graduated college with a music composition degree, although he said the band's songs are a group effort.

"Feel and emotion are most important in songwriting for us," he said. "Good songs are good songs no matter how they're created or found."

<p>"Bitter? Better." a song from Unifier's new album "Colorado," was written and recorded long before an unfortunate band name ordeal in 2012.</p><p>Formerly known as Future Ghosts, the Greensboro band was forced to change its moniker after learning that it was trademarked by a Chicago group. Though Unifier's lead singer, Aslan Freeman, describes "Bitter? Better." as a hometown anthem about being on the road, its title seems fitting given that the band came out of the difficult experience with a new name and well-received new album.</p><p>Unifier performs on Tuesday at The Whiskey.</p><p>"The experience was eye-opening in a lot of ways, especially in relation to the way the social networking sites handled the case," Freeman said. "The only true scar we've been left with is not immediately regaining all our 'likes' on our <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/facebook"><b>Facebook</b></a> page. As silly as it ultimately is, a lot of members of the music business and community place a bit too much weight on that number."</p><p>In addition to having to start new Bandcamp and ReverbNation pages, Unifier, which plays a mix of melodic and progressive hard rock, has struggled some in terms of booking since having to change its name. Still, the band feels fortunate to have been hit with a cease and desist order before they released "Colorado." A legal fight would have delayed the album's release, so the band chose the easier road, picked a new name and released "Colorado." Produced by Jesse Cannon (The Cure, Saves the Day), it calls to mind the music of such bands as The Foo Fighters and Jimmy Eat World. </p><p>The story of Unifier's name change spread to music sites, sparking good and bad comments and ending with positive and negative results. In some ways a do-over, or something akin to entering the witness protection and being given a new identity, Freeman said it was mostly a fresh start. </p><p>"After the initial shock," he added, saying it helped that "we had a new name, new video and, shortly after, a new album to use as a catalyst for the change."</p><p>Leaning slightly away from alternative rock, Unifier's sound combines hard rock brazenness with rough, passionate singing and a lush, wide-open feeling.</p><p>Unifier grew out of Freeman and Chris Carr playing together briefly in another band and, later, co-creating instrumental music for a zombie film. A bit of an accidental singer, Freeman fronted a band in high school by default when another member didn't want to sing. Freeman graduated college with a music composition degree, although he said the band's songs are a group effort. </p><p>"Feel and emotion are most important in songwriting for us," he said. "Good songs are good songs no matter how they're created or found."</p><p>Features: 343-2343</p>